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November 3, 2008

Welch Allyn Recognized at 2008 HIDA MedSurg Conference and Expo

by Sam Savage

Welch Allyn, a leading manufacturer of frontline medical products and solutions, won Best New Product of the Year for its FlexiPort blood pressure cuff at the Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA) MedSurg Conference and Expo in Chicago on Oct. 17. Welch Allyn sales representative Derek Thompson was named runner-up for Manufacturer Representative of the Year, and the company was named runner-up for Best Exhibit.

The FlexiPort cuff was awarded Product of the Year based on its innovation, ease of use, impact on patient care and distributor acceptance. FlexiPort excels in each of these areas. The cuff's patented port fitting allows for easy attachment to virtually any blood pressure device. The port rotates 360 degrees to prevent tube kinks and increase patient comfort.

"Distributor reps love to show this product to their customers because it solves many of the issues faced by healthcare facilities, and simplifies the job of the clinician. We've also created numerous Web- and print-based tools to help reps effectively sell this product," said John Haberstock, marketing director.

The FlexiPort cuff is designed to make facility standardization simpler and easier than ever before, resulting in a dramatic effect on cuff inventory in hospitals, and helping office-based settings by making it simple and easy to use one cuff with nearly any device. This versatile cuff is available in both disposable and reusable versions in a wide range of sizes. "For distributors and sales representatives, this product means increased standardization opportunities in hospitals, surgery centers and large offices and clinics," said Haberstock.

The FlexiPort cuff makes life easier by giving clinicians more time to spend with patients, rather than searching for cuffs. Another strong benefit for hospitals using FlexiPort on a single-patient-use basis is that cross contamination can be significantly reduced. Upon being admitted to a hospital, patients retain one cuff as they move throughout the facility, which helps limit the passing of infectious diseases.

Derek Thompson, Manufacturer Rep of the Year Runner-Up

Territory Sales Representative Derek Thompson has worked as an ambulatory care sales representative for Welch Allyn since 2000, covering territories in Maine, New Hampshire and eastern Massachusetts. "I truly believe in our products and the company I work for," Derek said. "Simply put, our products improve and sometimes save lives, and I am proud to be a part of something bigger than me." Derek's style of selling involves a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, consistency and an enthusiastic personality.

Welch Allyn, Best Exhibit Runner-Up

Welch Allyn's booth mirrored an ambulatory care environment and an acute care environment, with the Welch Allyn products for each scenario set up to show their functionality. The booth conveyed a feeling of completeness, as the Welch Allyn products were shown working in tandem to create a full set of diagnostic solutions.

"We approached this booth design trying to display the versatility and comprehensiveness of the Welch Allyn product line in real-world settings," said Kathy Burkhardt, corporate marketing. "We're honored to be recognized and look forward to using venues like HIDA to continue to build and foster productive relationships with our distribution partners."

The HIDA Awards of Excellence recognize the companies that are able to sell innovative products and, more specifically, the sales representatives who demonstrate, advocate and sell health and medical devices.

Last year, Welch Allyn won Sales Promotion of the Year with the Try and Buy program. Also last year, Welch Allyn won the Manufacturer Excellence in Service Award (MESA), which recognizes medical and surgical products manufacturers who support distributor efforts by providing the highest level of service.

Welch Allyn products have been awarded Product of the Year multiple times, most recently for the Cordless Specula Lighting System in 2007 and the MacroView Otoscope in 2004.

About Welch Allyn

Founded in 1915 and headquartered in Skaneateles Falls, New York (USA), Welch Allyn is a leading global manufacturer of medical diagnostic equipment and a complete range of digital and connected solutions. With over 2,300 employees working in 17 different countries, Welch Allyn specializes in helping doctors, nurses and other frontline practitioners across the globe provide the best patient care by developing innovative products, breakthrough technologies and cutting-edge solutions that help them see more patients, detect more conditions, and improve more lives. More information about Welch Allyn and its complete line of connected products and solutions may be found at www.welchallyn.com.